The batons that were passed, pedals pushed, shuttlecocks hit and balance beams dismounted are now just long-ago memories. But the legacy from the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games continues to reverberate through the 94 Forward fund, capitalized at more than $20 million.
Its latest project, announced this week, is a $2-million commitment over two years to establish a Cycling sa国际传媒 national hub in Victoria. It is the single largest private funding contribution in the 139-year history of Cycling sa国际传媒, which was founded in 1882. It adds to 94 Forward鈥檚 existing support of the Athletics sa国际传媒 Western Hub middle-distance track training centre at PISE and Victoria-based Triathlon sa国际传媒.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a natural fit,鈥� said Jon Watkin, the veteran local cycling organizer who will oversee the launch of the program.
鈥淐ycling is a big part of this region鈥檚 culture and infrastructure, and we鈥檝e produced some of the best athletes in the world.鈥�
That includes Olympic medallists from the Island in mountain biking and on the velodrome track and impacts on the road up to the Giro and Tour de France.
鈥淲e鈥檝e always had a foundation of gracious champions,鈥� said Watkin.
鈥淭hat is an inspiration to the next generation. This program wants to create a framework that takes a holistic view of the sport, from the elite level down to the grassroots of getting kids on bikes and planting that seed.鈥�
Cycling sa国际传媒 views the region as an important hub in its national chain.
鈥淰ictoria has a rich cycling history and a tremendous abundance of road, trails, facilities and year-round training opportunities,鈥� Cycling sa国际传媒 CEO Matthew Jeffries said in a statement.
鈥淢ore importantly, the region is home to one of our nation鈥檚 most engaged and thriving cycling communities and is uniquely positioned to play an important role as we work to develop and grow our national cycling community from coast to coast.鈥�
Instead of a wide umbrella, 94 Forward has targeted a few sports, providing deep support to cycling, triathlon and middle-distance track. The fund is also reactive and can jump in on a spot basis, as it did for the Canadian women鈥檚 field hockey team during its qualifying quest for the Tokyo Olympics. The team eventually fell one game short in a shootout against Ireland.
鈥淭he disciplined stewardship of the 鈥�94 Games legacy continues to give us opportunities to build world-class programs,鈥� said John MacMillan, president of 94 Forward.
鈥淭his [cycling] project will be enhanced by the tremendous amount of municipal support shown for sport and physical activity in the region. Many good people and agencies have made Greater Victoria the summer sport training capital of sa国际传媒.鈥�
